Cancer
chemotherapy
is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Unlike
radiation therapy
and surgery, which are localized treatments, chemotherapy is a systemic treatment, meaning the drugs travel throughout the whole body. This means chemotherapy can reach cancer cells that may have spread to other areas.

Chemotherapy is usually combined with other types of treatment in an attempt to do the following:

Cure smaller, early-stage pancreatic cancer

Increase survival time in more advanced
pancreatic cancer—this usually means only by a matter of months

Provide some symptom relief

Chemotherapy Drugs Used for Pancreatic Cancer

Fluorouracil
(5-FU)

Gemcitabine

Gemcitabine plus erlotinib

Cisplatin

Streptozotocin for endocrine tumors

In some cases, experimental treatments using investigational agents may be used. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of these programs.

Effectiveness

Gemcitabine, used alone or in combination with other chemotherapy agents, seems to improve the quality of life for those with pancreatic cancer. Chemotherapy with gemcitabine improves symptoms, including pain, nausea, and vomiting in about 25% of patients. It also provides a modest increase in survival (usually only a few months).

Fluorouracil is not associated with a survival benefit. Cisplatin and some other drugs have been used in combination with gemcitabine, but are associated with more side effects.

These drugs should be used with caution in the elderly, and in those with liver or
kidney disease. The elderly are at an increased risk of side effects.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.